CG model of the Olina a Mexican made Evlectric Vehicle

Mexico’s new president announces an electric vehicle ‘for the people’

Among the ambitious projects announced by Mexico’s new president, the country’s push to invest heavily in technological research and development stands out. A vital component of this program is the creation of Olinia, Mexico’s first domestically designed and assembled electric vehicle.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that among the programs she wishes to see come to fruition during her term is the development and arrival on the market of a Mexican-made electric car nicknamed Olinia—which means “move” in the Náhuatl language. 

Designed to be accessible to the masses, Olinia is envisioned as a small, fully electric car that will be both affordable and environmentally friendly. A group of young automotive experts will oversee the design of this EV. Their mission is to make Olinia innovative and tailored to the needs of the Mexican consumer.

Though electric vehicles are becoming more common in México, their prices are still out of reach for most consumers. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

While the exact price of Olinia has yet to be revealed, it is expected to be significantly lower than current electric vehicle options in the Mexican market. For instance, Chevrolet’s Equinox EV is priced at approximately 829,000 MXP or US$43,000. Olinia aims to accelerate EV adoption in Mexico by offering a more affordable alternative.

The announcement comes as gasoline prices continue to surge, hitting an all-time high of over 25 pesos per liter in most of the country.

“Gas prices are out of control… every time I go to fill the tank, the squeeze gets tougher. An affordable electric vehicle for your average Mexican would be a game changer,” said Josue Molina of Mérida, Yucatán. 

Earlier: CFE not happy with the growth of solar panels in Yucatán

Though some industry observers believe Sheinbaum’s ambitions are out of reach, Mexico consistently ranks among the top automotive producers worldwide. 

In 2023, Mexico produced approximately 3.5 million vehicles, including cars and light trucks. The industry has attracted significant foreign investment from major global automakers. Companies like Volkswagen, Nissan, Ford, and General Motors have established extensive manufacturing operations in Mexico. 

Sheinbaum was the first woman to complete a doctoral program in electrical engineering. In 1995, she joined a joint research program focusing on research to document the link between fossil fuel energy and climate change.

The president has not announced any plans to create renewable energy that could fuel a large fleet of electric vehicles. 

The adoption of solar panels in Mexico continues to soar, given the exorbitant cost of electricity. 

While it is still too early to know how seriously the president will pursue a clean energy policy, even a slight move towards that goal would represent a considerable departure from that of her predecessor and political mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Beyond automotive innovations, Sheinbaum has also emphasized the importance of empowering women. The president has announced the creation of a women’s handbook, which will outline the rights of Mexican women and provide guidance on how to seek assistance in cases of violence or discrimination.

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